Washington State Pay Transparency: What Are The Requirements?

As of January 1st, 2023, employers need to maintain compliance with Washington's new pay transparency law. Here is what businesses across the state need to know about Washington Pay Transparency.

In addition to standard wage and hour law regulations such as Washington State Minimum Wage, businesses must also adhere to Washington State Pay Transparency.

Washington State Pay Transparency Law 2023 / 2024 Requirements

Effective since 2023, businesses are required to comply with new requirements regarding Washington Pay Transparency (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5761). The new law comes in part of the state's effort to further equal pay amongst employees. 

Covered Employers

The new requirements for Washington State Pay Transparency apply to employers with 15 or more employees. 

New Job Posting Requirements

Under the new law, covered Washington employers must provide the following things in a job description/listing: 

• A wage or salary range
• A general description of all benefits
• A general description of other compensation

The wage scale or salary range must include the most reasonable and genuinely expected compensation range for the position. This range should include the lowest and highest possible compensation possible and must be established by the employer prior to advertising the job. 

Examples of Improper Wage / Salary Ranges

Examples of improper posting compliance include:

• Having a range with no maximum compensation. An example would be "compensation starting at $50,000"
• Having a range with no minimum compensation. An example would be "compensation up to $70,000"

General Description of Benefits Requirements

In order to have a compliant description of all benefits, a job description must include: 

• Health care benefits
• Retirement benefits
• PTO benefits
• Other fringe benefits that must be reported for federal tax purposes

General Description of Other Compensation 

Other types of compensation that must be included in a job description are: 

• Bonuses
• Commissions
• Profit-Sharing
• Stock Options
• Other forms of compensation that would be offered to the hired applicant in addition to their established pay

Get Help With Washington State Pay Transparency Law

Though the new requirements may seem complex, but employers don't need to stress.

For more help understanding Washington Pay Transparency requirements or help with compliance and employee recruitment software, contact PayNW today.